TRAFFIC in Chepstow and along the M4 came to a standstill this morning (Wednesday 7th February) as sections of the M4 and M48 were closed for emergency works.

While the bridge had been reopened by 6.37am, traffic problems persisted into rush hour as the backlog cleared.

The closures came as one of the overhead gantries on the M4 between junctions 21 and 20 had been severely damaged in a traffic collision.

Work was carried out through the night but because of the extent of the damage and the specialist equipment required, closures continued into the morning.

As a result the Severn Bridge and the M48 eastbound were closed forcing all eastbound traffic to take the Second Severn Crossing.

Despite reopening, the Severn Bridge will be restricted to one lane eastbound from 9.30am to 4pm due to maintenance.